Panda Bear Challenge
The Panda Bear Challenge is our traditional season starter! The course and venue are great all year round and perfect for some early long runs if you’re building to a Spring marathon. So if you’re looking to come along for your first 10K, aiming for a marathon or looking to see how far you can go in 6 hours then sign up to this event!
What’s a 6 hour event?
It is an event that enables all abilities of runner to run together (or hike/walk!). Ultimately you can run as many 5k laps as you wish in the time limit. You can run one lap in 20 minutes, pick up your medal, flapjack and beer and go home! Alternatively you can head out on your 15th lap at 14:55 and finish in 6hr30 having covered over 50 miles! It’s completely up to you. There is no pressure from us,but we’ll also see if you want one more lap! The format is great for people looking to run further than they’ve ever done before, do a long training run for future events or to enjoy a sociable event with your mates.
Course description
Ryton Pools is relatively flat with a few little rises that you might not notice much on the first lap, but you might do at the end of 6 hours! Underfoot is crushed stone with a very small section of single track and a few areas that are a little looser than others. It is a very runnable course set around pools and open pasture.
What does it cost?
We operate a tiered pricing approach. The earlier you enter, the cheaper the event but never ever will you pay a booking fee!
Before 01/01/2022 £30
After 01/01/2022 £35
Save 10% by joining the Big Bear Brigade!
Where is it?
Ryton Pools Country Park (Nr. Coventry) is run and managed by Warwickshire County Council.
Parking costs up to £5 depending on how long you stay. There is a cafe and toilet block next to the HQ on site.
Ryton Pools Country Park (CV8 3BH) is 15 minutes south of Coventry and 15 minutes from Junction 16 of the M1. The closest train stations are Rugby and Coventry.
How far is the race?
You decide! The 3.3-mile out and back loop at Ryton Pools Country Park means your race can be just over 5k or, given the relatively flat nature of the course, potentially 50+ miles! You decide how many laps you are going to do on the day within the 6-hour time limit. If you're looking to cover a marathon distance you'll need to complete 8 laps and a half marathon will be 4 laps.
Permissions
Permission for this event has been obtained Warwickshire County Council.
I’ve heard you do cupless events?
That’s right! Read all about how we do cupless events here
Has the event been run before?
Yes! You can find the previous results here.
I’m not that fussed by a medal, drink and flapjack…
In that case our partnership with Trees Not Tees may be of interest! When you sign up to this event you can select to have no finish line swag and instead we’ll donate the cost of this to Trees Not Tees who will plant a tree in their Scottish woodland on your behalf! You can find more info about this initiative here.
What are your refund/withdrawal rules?
You can find them here
I have a question.
No problem, check out our FAQ’s
“A really great event for novice runners and experienced alike. Its like Parkrun but goes of for 6hrs, the other participants offer support and encouragement and the volunteers and organisers are fabulous. Well marked routes and amazing aid station. Proper toilets and coffee shop also very close to the start and finish line.”
